In order to improve, enhance and consolidate on the existing upward movement of Lagos State as the emerging sports destination and sports tourism in the country, the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has created the State Sports Commission as part of his efforts to reposition the public service for better performance.
Addressing staff and stakeholders recently on his resumption of office, the Pioneer Director General of the Commission, Mr. Ayodele Agbesanwa said the Commission was poised to take the State to higher heights in terms of sports development, making the State a sports destination that will be globally acclaimed while also tapping into sports tourism as a revenue earner for the benefit of Lagosians.
According to him, “the State Government is focused on using sports for the physical, mental, psychological and economic well-being of Lagosians, as well as ensuring adequate staff welfare for improved productivity”.
He recalled that the State Sports Commission came into existence with the collapsing of the Office of Sports in the Lagos State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development with its agencies (Lagos State Sports Council and Sports Facilities Management Agency) into a single structure by the Governor as part of its restructuring agenda.
He declared that the state’s sports facilities would now be made available for the use by Lagosians and urged facilities managers to reach out to schools, sports clubs, non-governmental organisations and the communities in order to encourage members of the public to use the facilities which would in-turn deter squatters.
He listed the facilities as Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere; Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island; Onikan Stadium, Onikan; Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex, Rowe Park, Yaba;
Others are Agege Stadium, Agege; Jalisco Sports Complex, Oshodi; Amuto Playing ground, Lagos Island; Elegbata Playing ground, Lagos Island; Isheri Swimming Pool, Isheri/Magodo and Ijede Playing ground, Ijede.
He reminded members of the public that the State had since the hosting of the National Sports Festival of 2012 adjudged best organised National Festival, a feat no other State has been able to replicate in Nigeria.
